01/02/2007 | KE5AQD As an avid FISTS club memeber I truely enjoy CW but, in all my 2 years as a ham, I have always used a keyer and paddles. As SKN approachd I heard many others chatting about it and also noticed an upswing in the number of SKCC numbers being exchanged. I figured it was time to take the plunge so I ordered a straight key and joined the SKCC and was determined to make my very first straight key QSOs on SKN. When the time finally arrived eight operators were able to decipher my poorly sent code and I exchanged my SKCC number five times. Collected a few new FISTS numbers as well. It was overall a fantastic experience and I hope to be back next year. In the meantime, I'll continue to practice pounding my new straight key. Many thanks! -- KE5AQD